Milwaukee's Shrekfest has come to an end. It was 'the ultimate celebration of love, laughter, and our favorite green ogre.'

Cue the Puss in Boots sad face.

Shrekfest — yes, that was indeed a thing — has come to an end, organizers announced on social media over the weekend.

"It is with a mix of emotions that we bid adieu to Shrekfest, the ultimate celebration of love, laughter, and our favorite green ogre," the event's organizers 3GI Industries, a local art collective, shared in a Saturday Facebook post. "Over the years, this event has become more than just a festival; it's been a journey of joy, unity, and unforgettable memories."

In 2014, Grant Duffrin and his friends came across a Facebook event called Shrekfest that was going to be held in Madison, and were "so pumped" to attend, Duffrin said in a previous Journal Sentinel interview.

A couple of weeks before the event, he said, they found out it was fake.

"The joke just went right over our heads," Duffrin said during that interview. "We thought it was actually a cool event."

So, they decided to bring it to life themselves.

The fest was put on in Madison from 2014 to 2019, then went virtual for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the founders living in the Milwaukee area, they decided to bring it closer to home for 2022 and 2023. It was held in person at Bay View's Humboldt Park the past two years.

"What started as a joke in 2014 turned into an annual tradition for many," the Facebook post said. "Shrekfest became a symbol of love and life. We all came together to celebrate the unconventional, embrace diversity, and share in the joy that Shrek has brought into our lives."

It was probably unlike any event you've heard of — or been to — before.

Like many events, it had contests. But these involved onion-eating, roaring and "Shrek" character costumes. There was also live music, local vendors and a screening of the movie that inspired it all.

The 2022 installment drew between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees from around the world, an organizer previously told the Journal Sentinel.

In the Facebook post, organizers expressed their "deepest gratitude" to everyone who supported the fest over the years, including attendees, sponsors and volunteers.

"Your enthusiasm & love fueled the magic of Shrekfest, and for that, we are forever grateful," the post continued.

3GI — which is also known for its YouTube channel's surreal comedy videos — was behind 2018's "Shrek Retold," an immensely popular scene-for-scene crowdsourced remake of "Shrek."

For that project, more than 200 creatives, including animators, filmmakers, cartoonists, artists, puppeteers and musicians recreated scenes from the movie. It's gotten over 10 million views since its release.

The collective plans to carry on Shrekfest's legacy through "the values of community and collaborative projects," including "Shrek 2 Retold," according to the Facebook post.

"Though this chapter of Shrekfest is closing, the memories and friendships forged in the swamp will remain eternally green," the post said. "Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey. Let's cherish the moments we've shared and carry the spirit of Shrekfest with us always."

People took to social media to express their sadness and disbelief over the event's conclusion and their appreciation for its organizers.

"I can't believe it's ogre," one Facebook user commented on the announcement. Another called it "the saddest news."

"I am so happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community and to meet so many amazing people," a commenter said. "Thank you Grant and everyone who helped make this possible for 10 long years. Y’all are All-Stars in my book!"

The Journal Sentinel has reached out to organizers for more information.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Shrekfest, held at Humboldt Park, has come to an end